When involved in an auto accident that was the fault of another driver, you should expect compensation for the ensuing lost wages, injuries, damages, and the pain and suffering. These costs are typically settled by the insurance company of the at-fault driver.
How witnesses help your auto accident claims
However, how you prove your case to these insurance companies through your claim will dictate the amount of compensation you can get. You need anything that can increase your chances of getting the right settlement amount. Working with witnesses to the accident can strengthen your argument. Here is how to work with witnesses:
Why Witnesses Are Vital To Your Insurance Claim
Insurance companies make no profit once they pay settlements for accidents. As a result, their insurance adjusters will work aggressively to challenge your version of what happened. The onus is upon you to prove that the other driver did something wrong, or were negligent in their duties. With the right level of evidence, you can speed up the time it takes to settle your claim.
Statements from witnesses serve as powerful evidence in showcasing the driver that was at fault. Even better, if the witness was not involved in an accident, they can provide an unbiased and independent account of everything that transpired. Unlike the driver and passengers, these witnesses most likely don’t have a personal interest in who gets the settlement. Gathering such witnesses can make or break your case.
Your Health Is the Priority
Car accidents are typically violent and chaotic. While you might want to gather the evidence before you lose potential witnesses, your priority should be your health. Immediately once the accident happens, call 911. Don’t do anything that can increase your injuries.
If you are in no state to move around, relax and wait to be attended to. Sadly, if you cause more harm to your injuries by moving around in search of witnesses, you might hurt your claim. In case you are unharmed, you can take advantage of the time before the police and medics arrive to gather witnesses.
How to Approach Witnesses
Witnesses can be road users, passersby, good Samaritans, or the occupants of both vehicles, to name a few. Approach such people and ask them, politely, if they saw anything that happened. You should ask them for the things they heard, saw, or even smelt during the crash, as they can all be beneficial.
However, be careful when choosing witnesses since it is better to have no witnesses than to have those who can be discredited. They shouldn’t have any kind of personal bias in the situation. Keep in mind, witnesses have no legal obligation to offer their help or stick around. You should, therefore, record the statements that you can collect. This can be especially helpful when witnesses forget vital parts of their statements throughout the claim process.
Admissions Against Interest Are Your Friend
In a way, the other party can also act as part of your witnesses. The things they say may prove that they are at fault. This solidifies your evidence and increases the chances of getting the right amount of compensation.
How to gather evidence after the accident (Source: Pixabay)
For instance, a driver might say that the accident was their fault while apologizing. Such statements are known as admissions against interest. In some cases, they may also come from the passengers in the other car. However, such statements go both ways, and you might also find yourself saying the same. Relax and be careful with what you say after the accident. Any remarks that may make it seem like the fault was yours should be avoided.
Conclusion
Witnesses can come be found anywhere around the accident. Look around at stores, visit nearby offices, and knock on home doors to identify them. Having the contact details of these witnesses will also be vital in your claim.
